Can people live without it?

The computer that is...

I am craving a simpler life. One that we pour over books, laugh, create and enjoy what is before us. We have time to work hard and feel good about our accomplishments.... Thinking...

Is it time? Would it be a bad thing instead of racing to the computer to look up every impulse to just wait? To take a trip to the library and search? To talk about it and be content with what you already have?

Dropping facebook and all of its information. Too much in fact.Outings you weren't invited to, articles you really don't have time to read, outings that you could go to but should be focusing more on home duties?
 Hurt feelings and shallow friendships? And is that elementary friend really that important? sigh...

But what is important... hand written notes to friends showing you are thinking about them. A phone call inviting someone over for a playdate. Meaningful conversation not over a computer screen... Or a phone screen for that matter. Am I wasting my day glued to a monitor watching life go by when my own life is surrounding me? How does those interactions change because I am not present? Double sigh...

I don't want that to be my life. I don't want my kids to say, "mom, can you put away the computer, PLEASE?" Just one more moment...

Time for a change...

Walking...

And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. ~~ Micah 6:8

This verse came into my mind often this morning as I went through my daily routines. Washing dishes, feeding children, gulping down coffee to keep up with the day. My windows are wide open and from them, I hear birds, whistling wind and children laughing as they play together. Such a good, calming thing to hear.

Since this move to NC, I have had so much more time to think. I am not caught up in work to distract my attention from my family, the ones I love. This life I have, has felt like a giant pendulum, swinging to and fro. I know I have acted in a rebound of sorts. From a set group of friends from work to now a group who freely chooses who they are friends with. Sets me a bit out of my element as I tend to please who I am with. Ugh, peeling that onion of insecurities!

Through this time, there have been great fulfilling relationships formed and oddly enough, there is still a void in that department. More friends? More people liking me? When I stop and think about it, my life is full and I am thankful to run to the One who fills me up. And that is where the verse comes in.

We are all on a journey. Faithfully walking to please the One who created us. The One who knit us in our mother's womb. He knows us intricately, and wants the best for us! So that is what drew me to the verse above. What does He desire from us? To act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with MY God. Does that mean worry about what others think? Nope. Does that mean to please others by being working way too hard to please? Yep, that is another no.

You know, those words also go for this blog. I am reminded that the purpose here is to document our Lifesong... OUR life. But when I print this out someday, will my kids see a reflection of our days? Or things that attempt to bring attention to me or things. So convicting. I don't want to pull others away from what is clamoring for their time. This is for me. Our family. And if it encourages others along the way I am thankful.

Now to put this walk to practice...

Running the Race

My sweet friend Sarah has talked me into something terrible. She has "encouraged" me to run in Disney's Minnie Marathon. Yikes! Why they say Marathon, I have no clue because it is really a 15K or 9.3 miles. As most of you know, I am not a typical fitness person. I like to get outdoors but athletic, I am not.

Today as I was run/walking (aka dying!) 7 miles on a beautiful stretch of trail, I was encouraged by the number of people taking in God's beauty. Some were fit, some not so much, but they were all getting active.

Last year I entered in something more my speed. It was a 5K and it was the most shocking thing I have ever seen pertaining to fitness. There were walkers there!!! And overweight people! They weren't all fitness guru's with perfect bodies and 6 minute mile times. I was flabbergasted because it broke my stereotype down. I thought you would have to be perfect to enter into the race.

Before I was a Christian, I believed I had to be perfect to allow God to love me. I had some dear friends who stuck with me, even in my sin to show the love of God to me. It was unconditional and pure even when I was not. They showed me that God loved me right where I was. He loved Kristina, bad habits and all.

I know for me that running has proven to be a big parallel to my spiritual walk. I wrestle every time I am about to go outside and get active. Uggghhhh, I think to myself - I just don't want to do it! But after putting the first foot forward I am so glad I did. Once I take a dip in the cool refreshing water of His word, I am so thankful I have paused to take a drink.

Hebrews 12:1,2 says...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith...

You don't have to be perfect, sinless for Jesus to care for you. You just have to be willing to put that first foot forward. He will take care of all the rest.